Are India and China Satisfied with Peace in Border Areas?

New Delhi, July 23 (NationPress) - In a comprehensive review of the border situation, India and China expressed their contentment regarding the ongoing peace and tranquility in the border areas, marking a significant step towards the gradual restoration of their bilateral relations. The two countries committed to ensuring ongoing dialogues and interactions concerning boundary matters at both diplomatic and military levels through established channels.

This assessment took place during the 34th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) convened in New Delhi on Wednesday. The Indian team was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while the Chinese side was represented by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the MEA's post-meeting statement, "The two sides reviewed the current state of affairs in the India-China border regions. They expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peace and tranquility, which is facilitating the gradual normalization of bilateral relations. An agreement was reached to continue regular exchanges and maintain contacts regarding boundary issues through established frameworks."

To enhance effective border management and sustain peace & tranquility, both nations discussed various measures that were previously explored during the 23rd round of Special Representative Talks and the 33rd WMCC meeting. Preparations were also made for the upcoming Special Representatives' Talks on the India-China Boundary Question scheduled to take place in India later this year.

The leader of the Chinese delegation also met with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, as noted by the MEA. It is important to highlight that the 33rd WMCC meeting occurred in Beijing on March 25.

In related developments, a spokesperson from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed India’s move to resume tourist visas for Chinese citizens, describing it as a "positive step." The spokesperson indicated China's readiness to maintain dialogue and cooperation with India to further enhance travel between the two countries.

"We acknowledge India's decision to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals. This is a positive step. Facilitating cross-border travel is advantageous for all. China will continue communication and consultation with India to promote travel between our nations," the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced via X.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where they discussed the future trajectory of India-China relations. During this meeting, he conveyed warm regards from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Xi. This interaction was part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers' call on the Chinese President.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar stated, "I met with President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing alongside my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. I conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I informed President Xi about the recent developments in our bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of our leaders' guidance in this context."

This visit marked Jaishankar's first trip to China following the violent clash in the Galwan Valley in May 2020. He attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tianjin, where he engaged in several high-level discussions to deepen dialogue and collaboration with Chinese officials.